MOIFA Summer Research Fellow Carla Gilfillan. Courtesy/MOIFA

NMDCA News:

Join 2026 MOIFA Summer Research Fellow Carla Gilfillan for a presentation exploring the history of New Mexico’s unique tinworking tradition through the museum’s collection and archives. The demonstration will be from 2–4 p.m., Aug. 2, at the Museum of International Folk Art. 

Gilfillan’s research examines the emergence of New Mexico tinwork during the territorial period and how artists transformed newly available materials including tin, glass and wallpaper into a distinctive local artistic tradition. Drawing on the museum’s collections, archives, oral histories and reconstructed historic techniques, the presentation highlights an anonymous Isleta tinsmith whose creations represent one of the most significant groups of 19th-century tinwork in MOIFA’s collection. The accompanying demonstration and workshop connect this research to the living tradition of New Mexico tinworking, giving attendees an opportunity to learn traditional techniques from a master artisan. 

Museum and event admission are free for New Mexico Residents.

Click here for more event info.